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How does guest Wi-Fi work?
A guest Wi-Fi network works by creating a separate point of access on your wireless access point or router. This allows visitors to access the Internet without gaining entry to the primary network where private and sensitive data may be stored. When a person logs onto the guest Wi-Fi, they are segregated into a separate network often called a subnet.
This limits their actions to Internet browsing and stops them from accessing an organization’s business resources, or shared devices. The guest will sometimes need to enter a password to use the guest network. The security of the main network remains intact even if a guest’s device is infected with malware or if they take part in illegal online activities. Other devices on the guest network may be susceptible to malware if the guest network is based on VLANs.
Changing the name of your guest Wi-Fi network
Changing the name is a straightforward process that helps in clearly distinguishing it from the main corporate network. Access your access point’s interface and navigate to the wireless settings section and locate the guest network settings. Enter a new, easily identifiable SSID (Service Set Identifier) for the guest network, save the changes, and apply the settings to update the network name.
How to change guest network password
Changing the SSID password of your guest Wi-Fi network is essential for maintaining security. Navigate to the wireless settings or guest network section, locate the current guest network settings, and enter a new, strong password using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Save the changes and apply the settings to update the guest network password, ensuring it is shared securely with authorized guests.
The Nile Access Service provides for a built-in guest service and the management of your guest network, devices, and security through the Nile Copilot portal. IT administrators can easily control everything from a single, intuitive interface. This streamlined approach ensures for a consistent deployment and easy monitoring across all locations.
The cloud-based Nile Access Service also automates updates and maintenance, further reducing the operational burden and enhancing the overall efficiency of managing a guest network.
Set up time limits for guest Wi-Fi users
Limiting the time guests can use the Wi-Fi network helps manage bandwidth and ensures fair usage. It also ensures that you do not have guests on your network when you deem inappropriate, such as on weekends, during exams, etc. Configure the desired time limits or schedules for guest users, such as restricting access to certain hours or setting maximum session durations.
Monitor what devices are connected to your Wi-Fi for problem solving
In an enterprise environment, monitoring the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network is crucial for maintaining security and network performance. Follow these steps to identify and manage connected devices:
Navigate to the connected devices section in the management interface
Once logged in, locate the section that displays connected devices. This section is typically found under “Status,” “Network,” or “Clients.” The exact location may vary depending on the router’s brand and model.
View the device list
In the connected devices section, you will see a list of all devices currently connected to the Wi-Fi network. This list usually includes the device name, IP address, MAC address, and connection type (wired or wireless). Some enterprise infrastructure also provide additional details such as signal strength and data usage.
Use network monitoring tools
For more advanced monitoring, use network management tools like SolarWinds, or PRTG Network Monitor. These tools provide detailed insights into device connections, including historical data, usage patterns, and potential security threats. They can also generate reports and alerts for unusual activity.
Setting up a completely isolated guest network
Some organizations will set up a completely redundant guest network where security is a major concern. This alternative method ensures visitors can access the Internet securely while keeping internal resources protected. But it is very expensive and adds a high degree of complexity.
The Nile Access Service simplifies setting up a secure guest Wi-Fi network by offering a complete per-host isolation. Every connected guest device is completely isolated from each other and internal resources. Administrators can quickly deploy the service through the Nile Copilot Portal, where they simply need to enter a name for the guest SSID, and the system handles the rest.
The service ensures robust security without the need for complex manual configurations or deploying a separate network infrastructure. This ease of use not only enhances security but also improves the guest experience by providing a hassle-free onboarding process. Nile Guest Access was designed with enterprises in mind, making it ideal for multi-site deployments.
How is Nile different from other network providers?
Traditional network vendors offer the ability to easily create a guest network, but the underlying segmentation of the guest network is still based on decades old VLAN technology. This allows for lateral movement among the guest network and a high potential for cyberthreats and malicious activity.
The Nile Access Service has completely eliminated the use of VLANs and lateral movement within a guest network, as well as on the internal network. All traffic can easily be inspected for malware and other threats. This is not something that is readily supported by traditional enterprise networking vendors.
Guest Wi-Fi best practices for traditional networks
Implementing best practices for setting up guest Wi-Fi in an organization ensures that visitors can access the Internet securely without compromising the internal network. Here are detailed best practices to follow:
Use a dedicated guest SSID
Create a distinct SSID (Service Set Identifier) for the guest network that is separate from the main corporate SSID. This differentiation helps in managing and securing guest access. Ensure the guest SSID is clearly labeled to avoid confusion.
Implement strong security protocols
Secure the guest network with WPA3 encryption, which offers the highest level of security currently available. If WPA3 is not supported, use WPA2. Set a strong, complex password combining letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly update the password to maintain security.
Isolate guest traffic
Use legacy VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to isolate guest traffic from the internal network. This ensures that guests can only access the internet and not internal resources. Enable client isolation to prevent guests from accessing each other’s devices, enhancing overall security.
Set up bandwidth limitations
Configure Quality of Service (QoS) settings to limit the bandwidth available to the guest network. This prevents guest usage from affecting the performance of critical business applications. Allocate sufficient bandwidth to ensure a good user experience for guests without compromising the main network.
Use captive portals for onboarding
Implement a captive portal for the guest network, which requires users to onboard before accessing the internet. This can include agreeing to terms of use, entering a password, or registering with an email address. Captive portals help in monitoring and controlling guest access.
Monitor and log network activity
Deploy network monitoring tools to keep track of guest network activity. Set up logging to record usage patterns and detect any unusual behavior. Monitoring tools can provide alerts for suspicious activity, helping to maintain network security.
Regularly update firmware and security settings
Keep your network equipment’s firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest security features and patches. Regularly review and update security settings to address any new vulnerabilities or threats. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a secure network
Bolster guest network security and performance with Nile
At Nile, network security is the foundation of our platform. Every connected mobile device is profiled and isolated from each other, preventing cross-device proliferation of malware and securing critical network segments.
Nile goes beyond conventional guest access by offering a highly secure Nile Guest Service option that further isolates guest traffic from internal resources by forwarding all connections to a Nile owned point of presence or PoP. Organizations gain access to Nile’s DHCP Service, external IP addressing and assistance with Digital Millennium Copyright Act violations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start your journey with Nile today.
